What Is the Squirrel Cage Jail?
This was the Pottawattamie County Jail from 1885 until 1969!
What Makes It Historical?
Designed by William H. Brown and Benjamin F. Haugh and built in 1885, the Pottatattomie County Jail came to be called the Squirrel Cage Jail for its unique interior design! It was one of three jails ever built with cells attached to a central rotary shaft, which let them spin around! This made the cells look like cages for pet squirrels. This jail in Council Bluffs was the only rotary cell jail with three levels of spinning cells!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Become a member of the Historical Society of Pottawatomie County!
- Donate to the Historical Society of Pottawatomie County!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
226 Pearl St
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Between October and March, the Squirrel Cage Jail is open Saturdays from 11:00 AM until 4:00 PM and Sundays from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM!
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